The three artists listed above are only the tip of the iceberg; collaborators on this project include Richard Barbieri (Porcupine Tree), Roger Eno, No-Man, Hector Zazou, and many more. The reason it is credited as such appears to be that the basis for this album was 1999’s Another Train Ride, a Materiali Sonori release by Bigazzi, Chianura, and Henson involving the readings of a Cheyenne poet about wars past and present. Having not heard that album, there is less context with which to approach Drop 6, but so it goes. Drop 6 is a series of re-interpretations/re-mixes of material from Another Train Ride by an extensive list of artists, including those mentioned above. This music is steeped in modern electronica, with instrumental parts on guitar, synths, trumpet, and so on swept up into a maze of samples (instrumental and vocal) and beats, with a pretty chill tempo and vibe overall. What I can make out from the lyrics seems a bit on the cheesy side to be honest; I’m not sure if this is authentic Cheyenne poetry or not, but regardless, its all a bit hokey and heavy-handed. The musical vibe is uniform in its laid-back nature; without the manic energy of Squarepusher or the brutality of Autechre. Without more variety, there isn’t a lot with which to actively engage and challenge the listener, and as such the whole thing comes off as somewhat unremarkable.

Latest news

2020-05-15Phil May of The Pretty Things RIP –
We were saddened to learn that Phil May, lead singer and founding member of The Pretty Things, has died at the age of 75. The band's 1968 album S.F. Sorrow is one of the enduring classics of the psychedelic era, and the group existed in various forms until finally retiring in 2018. »
Read more

2020-05-14Jorge Santana RIP –
Jorge Santana, noted guitarist, leader of the band Malo and brother to Carlos Santan, died on May 14 at the age of 68. Jorge and Carlos worked together on a number of occasions, though Jorge's career was centered around Malo, solo work, and with Fania All-Stars. »
Read more

2020-05-06Florian Schneider RIP –
Florian Schneider, one of the founders of the pioneering electronic group Kraftwerk, has died at the age of 73. Co-founder Ralf Hütter announced that his bandmate had passed away from cancer after a brief illness. »
Read more

2020-04-23Shindig Festival Goes Lock-Down –
Here's what they're saying: It's A Happening Thing! The Shindig! Magazine Lockdown Festival. In our days of no large gatherings of people, maybe it's still possible to have a music festival. Shindig! Magazine is giving it a go with a multi-artist streaming extravaganza on Saturday April 25. »
Read more

2020-03-24Bill Rieflin RIP –
The sad news reaches us today of Bill Rieflin's death. Rieflin was best known as a drummer in bands ranging from post-punk to industrial to indie-rock to progressive rock, including work with The Blackouts, Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, Swans, Land, and King Crimson. Rieflin had been battling cancer for several years, and succumbed to it on March 24. He was 59. »
Read more

Previously in Exposé...

Nicholas Greenwood - Cold Cuts –
Nicholas Greenwood’s name, if it is known at all, is remembered from the credits of albums by Khan and Arthur Brown’s Crazy World, where he played bass. Until this reissue arrived, I had no idea...
(2005) »
Read more